A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Helsinki vs. Barcelona for Nightlife, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Helsinki or Barcelona?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Barcelona can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a nature-focused, coastal, and environmentally conscious city. You'll find world class beauty in Helsinki as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Helsinki travel costs.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a laid-back, historic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Barcelona is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches. See Barcelona travel costs.

Helsinki and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Barcelona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona than Helsinki. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Barcelona is very popular for its nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Helsinki attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Barcelona is more touristy than Helsinki and is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Barcelona and Helsinki. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Helsinki or Barcelona?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Helsinki and Barcelona.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Helsinki. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Barcelona. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

Is the Food Better in Helsinki or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Helsinki and Barcelona both to be great destinations.

Helsinki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

Dining out in Barcelona is an experience not to be missed. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

Is Helsinki or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Barcelona just to party. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

Helsinki has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Is Helsinki or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Helsinki is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Barcelona. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.

Is Helsinki or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a city with good options for the beach. However, Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Barcelona. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Helsinki is not a beach destination.

Is Helsinki or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is a very popular place for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Barcelona is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Barcelona?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Barcelona draws large crowds to its stores. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Helsinki. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

Is Helsinki or Barcelona More Beautiful?

Helsinki is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Helsinki as well. The city's location on the tip of a peninsula means that the water has a huge influence over daily life. There are more than 300 islands in the area and plenty of nature and parkland. The city is filled with striking color and tons of beauty.

The beauty of Barcelona is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city offers many nice viewpoints that look down on the skyline from the surrounding hills. There are also nice parks and interesting architecture.

Is Helsinki or Barcelona Better for Families?

Helsinki is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Helsinki is a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

Barcelona is a family-friendly city. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Helsinki or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Helsinki is a well-known place for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Helsinki is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Helsinki or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Barcelona is extremely popular for backpackers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

Plenty of backpackers visit Helsinki. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

Is Helsinki or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Barcelona is a very popular city for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Many students visit Helsinki. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

Is Helsinki or Barcelona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find great public transit in both Helsinki and Barcelona.

The public transit in Helsinki can get you around easily. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Barcelona offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

Is Helsinki or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Helsinki is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Helsinki is somewhat walkable. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

For even more information, also check out Is Helsinki Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Barcelona?

Both Helsinki and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Helsinki. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

Families should spend more time in Helsinki than Barcelona. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Helsinki, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Barcelona than Helsinki if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Barcelona.

One day in Helsinki or Barcelona?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Helsinki. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Barcelona is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Helsinki or Barcelona?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Helsinki. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Barcelona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the environmentally conscious city of Helsinki. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Barcelona is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Barcelona, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Helsinki or Barcelona?

Helsinki is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Barcelona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Barcelona has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Helsinki Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki and Barcelona, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Helsinki or Barcelona?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Helsinki or Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Barcelona. The summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In July, Helsinki is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In the summer, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Barcelona. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Helsinki is much colder than Barcelona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Barcelona averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Barcelona. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Barcelona. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Barcelona. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Helsinki